Latest news with #MichelinStar
Forbes
28 minutes ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
6 Must-Visit London Restaurants This Month
Twenty8 Nomad London Some people get seasonal allergies. We, in the UK, seem to get seasonal appetites. Thankfully, with London shedding its raincoat and stepping into early summer, it's the perfect time to make plans that don't revolve around desk lunches and Deliveroo. New restaurants are launching, terrace pop-ups are fighting for your rosé-all-day loyalty, and if you time it right, you might even make the long stroll to a dessert stop without needing a coat. This month's line-up is quietly chaotic (I ate too much great food recently, what can I say). We've got a Michelin-starred chef in their Knightsbridge comeback, a Mediterranean terrace that wants to be your entire personality for the next two months, and a chocolate-cum-cookie shop in Kennington that's already halfway to cult status. For every must-visit spot listed below, my instructions are simple: plan now, go hungry, and thank me later. Tom Brown at The Capital Where: Knightsbridge Why now: The Cornerstone chef's back — this time, with a 12-course tasting menu set inside his prestigious former hotel home. What to expect: The £125 menu is full of clever, confident moves — mussel and beetroot 'charcuterie,' cuttlefish masquerading as ravioli, and a chocolate dessert laced with caviar, olive oil, and capers. Dishes are refined but never polite, taking all the risks Cornerstone didn't have the backing to take. Expect seriously sensational cooking. Vibe: Understated luxury, big flavours, no posturing. 108 Brasserie's Maison Mirabeau Terrace seafood platter Where: Marylebone Why now: The terrace has had a French Riviera makeover — and the rosé's flowing accordingly. What to expect: Fresh seafood, serious rosé, and just enough sunlight to pretend you're on the Côte d'Azur. Go for seabass crudo or burrata-stuffed crispy gnocchi if you're snacking; level up with the butterflied sea bass or a seafood platter if you're staying a while. Strawberries and cream are on standby for dessert, and the sensational rosé list includes Mirabeau's 'Pure,' 'La Réserve,' and sparkling 'La Folie.' Basically the perfect way to spend a day with friends. Vibe: Day drinking done chic. Twenty8 NoMad London Where: Covent Garden Why now: The team behind NoMad London has launched its most ambitious concept yet: an ultra-luxe bistro channelling old New York glam What to expect: Set in a reimagined Victorian palm court (designed by Martin Brudnizki, naturally), Twenty8 delivers on both phenomenal British produce and big-theatre flair. The menu leans hard into elevated comfort food — seafood towers, dry-aged Galician steak, that infamous foie-gras-stuffed chicken — while the martini list reads like a liquid history of New York's cocktail canon. Vibe: Big on Instagramability, bigger on flavour and service. Nine Lives taco Where: London Bridge Why now: A brilliant bar made better by bargain tacos and a terrace that's finally open again. What to expect: Every Tuesday chef Ramón Ramos serves £3 tacos inspired by those from his hometown of Guadalajara — best paired with £10 Champagne cocktails under the disco ball. Throughout the week, you can also expect a new experimental cocktail menu shaped by 2025 trend forecasts, a fresh outdoor space for spicy margs in the sun, and a custom hi-fi sound system that takes the 'listening bar' brief seriously. If you know, you know. Vibe: Underground in all the right ways. Estiatorio Milos' fish market Where: St James's Why now: Because sometimes only grilled octopus and a £50 sea bass will do. What to expect: Impeccably fresh seafood, flown in daily and displayed on ice like edible sculpture. Greek minimalism on the plate and in the room — think white linen, an unbelievably friendly and skilled staff, plus a dining crowd that looks like they summer in Hydra. Don't miss the paper-thin zucchini and aubergine tower, stacked high over saganaki cheese and finished tableside with wild thyme honey. Vibe: International money, Med-light diet, the best mineral wine mandatory. Chocolate Dino Company cookies Where: Kennington Why now: Because your inner child deserves it. What to expect: It started as a lockdown brownie delivery service and now turns out some of London's best cookies from a low-key Kennington spot. Thick, gooey, and properly indulgent, the cookies come in rotating flavours (red velvet and chocolate orange are personal faves), often still warm from the oven. There's coffee, brunch and bagels, too — but let's be honest, you're going for the cookies. Vibe: Neighbourhood gem you can order to your door. No notes.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sleep like a Princess in the Glow of the Eiffel Tower at Shangri-La Paris
Sleep like a Princess in the Glow of the Eiffel Tower at Shangri-La Paris originally appeared on L.A. Mag. As a girl who read Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Princess and the Pea over and over again, I have long dreamed of sleeping in a royal palace. So, when the Shangri-La Group invited me to visit such a palace, a chance to bed down in pure opulence like a pampered princess in a room aglow with the warm and sometimes twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine river, I packed my tiara. The five-star Shangri-La Paris was once the private residence of Napoleon Bonaparte's grandnephew, the botanist and member of the turn-of-the-century Parisian literati crowd, Prince Roland Bonaparte. The hotel now has 100 perfectly appointed rooms and suites that Shangri-La likes to describe as an embodiment of 'the quintessence of Asian hospitality and French art de vivre,' and it did not disappoint. The Shangri-La Paris is situated in what is known as the city's 16th arrondissement, which makes it centrally located to luxury fashion houses, café life and museums, including the Musée d'Art Moderne. Even better, travelers are invited to experience a host of curated experiences that lean into its new international campaign, "Eat, Play, Love," and that we did. Eating was pure joy at Shang Palace, the fine dining establishment that offers haute Asian cuisine, which was so extraordinary that it's easy to see why it earned the first Michelin Star for any Chinese eatery in Paris. Then there was the butler curated Pique Nique Chic, the fancy French way to picnic, a the Champ de Mars under the world-famous La Dame de Fer, or Iron Lady's. Nothing like toasting breathtaking views with some bubbly and artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruits, and oh-so elegant finger sandwiches. Play came in the form of zipping through picturesque Paris in a vintage Citroën 2CV for a visit to the cobbled streets of Montmartre, an artists' mecca centered by the world famous Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, the highest summit in the city that offers commanding 360-views. The Shangri-La organized a private visit to the Montmartre Museum, once the home of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who painted two of his exquisite works, "La Balançoire" and "Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette," in its gorgeous gardens. As part of this spectacular and unique experience, a local artist sketched my portrait, which is a perfect Parisian memento I will treasure. For Love, it came in the form of self-love with a glorious massage at the hotel's Chi spa, centered around an indoor 56-foot infinity pool awash in natural light. And, of course, the love that comes with exploring Paris on foot along the River Seine, which runs through the heart of the city of light. All of it made me feel very much like a princess This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
13 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Bangkok Chefs Gather To Raise Funds For Meals For Myanmar
A tasting menu for two persons (plus beverage pairings) at the first and only three-Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in the world, Sorn in Bangkok, is one of the experiences guests can bid for—with all proceeds benefiting Meals for Myanmar Myanmar's devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake last March 28 has resulted in over 3,700 deaths, more than 5,000 injured individuals and approximately 200,000 left homeless. With monsoon season encroaching on the region, there is a critical window to provide shelter before the rains make it nearly impossible. Bangkok Foodies, a media platform and online foodie community, founded by Samantha Proyrungtong, launched Meals for Myanmar (#Meals4Myanmar on social media), a heartfelt campaign to help rebuild lives after the devastation. Proyrungtong has a deep appreciation for the country, having previously visited in 2017 and fondly remembers 'exploring Yangon's culinary and beverage scene via rickshaw, the Shan State countryside and cruising the magical Inle Lake, with the charm and warmth of the people [leaving] a lasting mark on me.' They have partnered with some of Thailand's most celebrated chefs, culinary professionals and establishments— many Michelin-starred and ranked on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants— to create special dining experiences with every baht raised going directly to trusted rebuilding efforts on the ground in collaboration with Sonne. Some of these experiences include: tasting menus for two persons inclusive of beverage pairings; private chef interactions; off-menu surprises; artisanal baskets; winery tours; and food content creation. Meals for Myanmar follows a social media-online auction format. Vouchers are dropped progressively on the Bangkok Foodies Instagram and Facebook channels. When a voucher is live, interested parties are invited to place their bids in the comments of the Instagram/ Facebook posts (until the deadline stated). Bidding starts at 1000 THB, with 200 THB minimum increments. Winners will be contacted by the Bangkok Foodies team to arrange payment and connect the buyer with the vendor. Some of the confirmed participating chefs and restaurants include: Other offerings include a winery tour by GranMonte Vineyard and Winery; a professional food video production by Turquoise Truck; a professional food photoshoot by Diego Arenas; a Thai Cheese and Charcuterie gourmet basket by Vivin café grocery bistro; private chef classes by Hanuman Aspler of Thaifoodmaster; and a two-night stay and Chef's Tasting Dinner for two at The Siam Hotel Bangkok (worth over 100,000 THB). A two-night at the signature pool villa at The Siam Bangkok, ranked on the World's 50 Best Hotels, is also on offer, which also includes a chef's tasting menu for two. For more information— including which experiences are going live soon and which ones are sold— visit the Bangkok Foodies website.
NDTV
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Why A Michelin Star Still Rules The Restaurant World (And Why India Has None Yet)
In the ever-evolving world of food, where Instagram likes and viral reels decide what's trending, true culinary excellence still finds its way to decide what's worth exploring, and it is via the Michelin Star. It is not promotional, flashy, and definitely not easy to bag. This badge of honour has changed the fate of some of the humble restaurants into international destinations and chefs into legends. But what makes this honour so special and relevant in the global food scene? Chefs lose their sleep and restaurants go overboard to get this honour, but all for what? If you have been reading about Michelin star restaurants, not knowing what it exactly means, then let's explore the legend and the relevance behind this recognition. What Is A Michelin Star? The Michelin Star is not a pop culture badge or an influencer endorsement. It dates back to the early 1900s when brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin created a guide to get people to drive more, so they would eventually need new tyres. Along the way, the guide began recommending food spots worth stopping for, and later, it started rating them. Today, the Michelin Guide is one of the most respected restaurant rankings in the world. It rates restaurants based on food quality and gives them one, two or three stars. One Star: A very good restaurant Two Stars: Excellent cooking worth a detour Three Stars: Exceptional food worth a special journey Why Is A Michelin Star Such A Big Deal? Getting even one star means your food has passed the toughest test in the business. It also means your restaurant has impressed Michelin's anonymous inspectors-former chefs and hospitality pros who know their way around a plate. You will not know when they are coming or what they are judging. And if you win a star, it becomes part of your identity forever. What A Michelin Star Can Do For A Restaurant Chefs do not just chase stars for pride. A Michelin Star can completely change a restaurant's story. Here is how: 1. Global Recognition: A star makes a restaurant a talking point even among those who do not follow food trends. 2. Legit Credibility: Since stars are awarded by trained, anonymous experts, the stamp is seen as the ultimate proof of skill and consistency. 3. Business Boost: Restaurants that bag a star often see packed tables, media attention and, in some cases, serious investor interest. What Michelin Inspectors Look At: No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Michelin inspectors make multiple visits, and you will never know when they have been there. They judge restaurants on five set criteria: Quality of the ingredients Skill and technique in cooking The chef's unique personality in the food Value for money Consistency across visits and the menu What Happens If A Restaurant Loses A Star? This is the part most people do not talk about. A star is not forever. Restaurants can lose it if they slip on quality, taste or consistency. When that happens, the impact can be brutal. Staff morale takes a hit, reviews turn harsh, and bookings may drop. Some chefs have admitted that losing a star affected them personally, not just professionally. It is a reminder that Michelin recognition must be earned again and again. Why Are There No Michelin-Starred Restaurants In India? This is a question that continues to puzzle chefs, food critics and diners alike. With a food culture as rich and diverse as India's, it seems strange that the country is still not part of the Michelin map. The simple reason? The Michelin Guide has never launched operations in India. And without official presence, it does not review or rate restaurants here, no matter how spectacular the food. But that is only part of the story. One major factor is logistics and investment. Michelin usually enters markets where the local tourism boards or governments partner with them to fund or support the guide's expansion. Think of it like this: launching a Michelin Guide in a country is a business decision. It involves building a team of trained inspectors, setting up infrastructure, and maintaining strict standards. Unless a country actively invites Michelin and helps cover those costs, the guide often gives it a pass. Then the Indian food landscape is complex. Indian cuisine is hyper-local, regional and deeply rooted in cultural context. From street vendors to temple food to fine dining, quality here does not always wear a tuxedo. The challenge for Michelin would be to understand this diversity and apply their criteria without forcing restaurants into a European framework. That takes time, effort, and the right kind of research - something that has not yet happened at scale. Another issue is perception. Michelin has often been seen as catering more to European and modern fine-dining formats. Many of India's most exceptional culinary experiences are not in white-tablecloth settings but in humble eateries, home kitchens and roadside joints. So, unless the system evolves to accommodate that variety, it risks missing the essence of Indian food culture entirely. Still, the interest is growing. Indian chefs abroad - like Atul Kochhar, Gagan Anand, Vikas Khanna, Mayank Istewal and Garima Arora - have already proved that Indian cuisine belongs on the world stage. Back home, several high-end restaurants are actively designing their menus and hospitality standards to meet Michelin expectations, just in case the guide decides to step in. So while India does not have Michelin stars yet, the hope is that it is not a matter of if, but when.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
I saw what Gordon Ramsay had and thought 'I want that'
Stuart Ralston was destined for a culinary dad was a chef, his mum was a chef and his brothers went into the business was necessity that took him into his first kitchen at 13 "so he could afford his own trainers".But it was hard work that led him to his first Michelin star, bagged in February at the age of with four renowned restaurants in Edinburgh, the Glenrothes-born chef who cut his teeth in New York under Gordon Ramsay has come a long way. Ralston's housing estate upbringing couldn't be further away from the upmarket fine dining establishments he finds himself in told the BBC Scotland's Scotcast: "If you come from a background where potentially you didn't have much and you wanted to get more, it gives you a certain chip on your shoulder or a resilience that you can really battle through a lot of hard times.""The business is a hard business to be in and it takes people who are really determined not to fail and I think that's the common thing that I always see with a lot people in our industry."Ralston was the victim of two knife assaults in his youth."In primary I was slashed with a pair of scissors from my ear to the bottom of my mouth after an argument with someone."And in high school I got slashed on my leg with a box cutter with someone just walking through the hallways."So, you know, I didn't grow up in the most affluent of areas, it was a dog-eat-dog world. But I think getting out of that just made me determined to not be part of that culture. Ralston worked his way through the ranks in his late teens and early 20s and then chanced his arm by asking celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay for job at his New York restaurant."I'd done a trial in London for him that I thought I'd messed up really badly, but I still got offered the job because I had an attitude. I really cared about my career and trying to be something and I think they saw that."I got an opportunity that not many people did. There was maybe only eight British guys taken out to America. "I was 23 years old and I didn't know anybody."He doesn't recognise the angry, potty-mouthed Gordon Ramsay that made his mark on TV shows. But he did soak up the work ethic and skills on display around him."I didn't really see what people see on TV as much. It was definitely tough, and he was definitely passionate about what we were doing."I worked more so with the head chefs that had been with him for a long time."After two years, scraping chewing gum off tables, prepping vegetables and setting up the staff canteen led to kitchen training and running every section of Ramsay's restaurant at the London spent five years in New York, rising to head chef status and then spent a stint back in the UK before a time at the Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados. Fast forward to 2025 and he is halfway through his most successful year. He has four Edinburgh restaurants - Aizle, Noto, Tipo and Lyla, for which he was awarded his first Michelin star in says his kitchens run differently to those days in the early 2000s and that the culture has changed."It was rough, really rough," he admitted."When I was started out, you're working all the hours. The conditions were tough. "I've seen fights, I've see people getting burned, I have seen things being thrown at people. I have seen people being kicked out of kitchens for mistakes. "But mostly, I would say, I don't think there's many kitchens that would run like that nowadays." For someone who dreamed of owning his own restaurant from a young age, Stuart Ralston has realised his says he grew into who he is and changed his perspective when he saw what was possible, learning from the best people around him. He said: "Take Gordon for example, look what he's done in his life. I saw him and I wanted a bit of that."
